Family literacy, language and numeracy (skills for life)
"We know that poor literacy and numeracy skills often run in the family, and family literacy, language and numeracy courses can be an effective way of breaking the cycle of underachievement... They are a vital part of Skills for Life Strategy" Ivan Lewis, former Minister for Adult Learning and Skills
Family Literacy Language and Numeracy courses improve:
- Parents' literacy, language, numeracy and IT skills.
- Parents' ability and confidence to help their children learn.
- Parents' ability to progress to further learning or employment.
- Children's literacy, language and numeracy skills.
- Children's confidence and self esteem.
Did you know that in 2006-7
- 111 courses were run across the borough.
- Over 600 families completed a course.
- 91 parents achieved a qualification.
- 65% of parents who completed the course progressed to other courses or employment.
- All parents felt more confident in supporting their child.
- All children increased their confidence and 98% showed an improvement in their literacy, language or numeracy.
Family Learning Changes Lives
Maria is a young single mum and lives with her 3 year old son Paul. She is an asylum seeker from Zimbabwe who suffered domestic violence and the trauma of being separated from her second son, whom she had to leave behind in Zimbabwe. Maria left school at the age of 13 without any qualifications.
"I was feeling isolated and depressed at home. I wanted to do something for myself and my son. It was my dream to get back into education and make a fresh start but I didn't know how. I found out there was a free Family Language class at Surestart Centre and it had a free crèche for my son, so I joined the class and got some qualifications for the first time in my life!"
"Now I am attending a Family numeracy class and I am working towards a national qualification in English and Maths at Level 1. I can't believe how much I have achieved in a short time. I am more confident and happy and have made friends with other mums."
"I am now doing some voluntary work to help other families. I am helping at a crèche and am working as a volunteer in a Family Language class. My dream is to become a qualified teaching assistant."
"My son has also gained so much in confidence from the extra support he gets at the Centre."
"The family learning classes have really changed our lives."
Family Learning Works
Recently an audit was carried out by Castle Hill Early Years Centre on 15 families who had joined a Numeracy course 7 years ago. All the 15 mums who joined the courses were unemployed, had no qualifications and came along to the course just because they wanted to help their children with reading writing and maths and give them a better chance at school. They had no idea that the course would be a stepping stone to a new life for themselves!
Of the 15 parents who completed a family Numeracy or Family Literacy course
- 10 went on to childcare courses and completed a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Childcare at Level 2.
- 3 progressed even further and completed NVQ Level 3.
- 12 parents are now working and 1 is doing voluntary work.
As for their children
- 13 are now doing well at school, and one child is working within the top 2% for maths in the whole country.
Information for schools and other organisations wanting to host courses
Funding is available to pay for staffing costs and childcare. Courses are set up in partnership with CALAT and are delivered in schools, libraries, Children's Centres, Surestart Centres, Family and Community Centres across the borough. All courses are offered free to families.
Please contact us if you are interested in hosting a course.
If you are a parent or a carer wanting to find out about courses
Contact your child's head teacher or the manager of your local Children's or other Community Centre to find out about what is available.
Contact Details
- Contact name
- Musseret Anwar
- Job title
- Skills for Families Curriculum Manager (responsible for Family Literacy, Language and Numeracy)
- Telephone
- 020 8662 5571
- musseret.anwar@croydon.gov.uk
- Address
- Skills for Life
Sandown Road
South Norwood
SE25 4XE
